Top 5 Questions for the Orioles This Offseason: What will their spending look like? And how will they fill the void left by Corbin Burnes?
For the second consecutive season, the Baltimore Orioles’ dynamic offense faltered in October. After being overtaken by the New York Yankees in the AL East, the 2024 Orioles managed just one run across two wild-card losses to Kansas City.
Despite this setback, Baltimore remains a strong organization brimming with talent. However, the future is now at Camden Yards. The O’s can no longer lean on the promise of potential—it’s time for the Baby Birds to mature.
These are the five key questions shaping Baltimore’s offseason.
Yahoo Sports: Orioles’ Top 5 Offseason Questions
The Orioles face pressing decisions as they head into the offseason, including how much they’ll spend and how they’ll replace Corbin Burnes. Other questions revolve around the outfield and catcher positions.
By Jake Mintz, Senior Writer
Published: Tue, Nov 19, 2024
For the second straight year, the Baltimore Orioles’ thrilling offense crumbled in October. After losing the AL East crown to the New York Yankees, the 2024 Orioles managed just one run in two wild-card losses to the Kansas City Royals.
Despite the disappointment, Baltimore remains a talent-rich organization. But the time for potential is over—the future has arrived at Camden Yards. It’s time for the Baby Birds to mature.
Here are five key questions shaping the Orioles’ offseason:
1. How much will the new ownership group spend?
From 1993 to 2023, the Orioles were owned by the Angelos family, known for their cost-conscious approach, which often frustrated fans. Optimism surged when Baltimore native and private equity billionaire David Rubenstein purchased the team in March 2024.
Under Rubenstein’s leadership, payroll increased significantly—from $66 million in 2023 to $103 million in 2024. However, his long-term willingness to spend remains uncertain. The Orioles haven’t signed a multi-year free agent since 2018, when Alex Cobb inked a four-year, $57 million deal. That drought is expected to end this winter, but the key questions are who they’ll target and how much they’re willing to pay.
General manager Mike Elias has shown he can build a winning team on a tight budget, but increased spending would ease the task. Will Rubenstein push payroll beyond $150 million to place the team among the league’s higher spenders? This decision will significantly impact how the Orioles shape their roster for 2025.
